important

Agreements require both sides’ approval, so Israel’s acceptance of an Egyptian-proposed deal to end hostilities with Hamas — while hopeful — is far from conclusive. Israel’s security cabinet voted to accept the deal after a week of intensive two-way rocket bombardments that claimed some 180 Palestinian lives. Hamas is still discussing the plan, but its armed wing labeled it a “surrender.” If agreed, the deal calls for talks in Cairo within 48 hours to hammer out a longer-term truce.

Possible Peace

Tens of thousands braved a dangerous journey to chase their American dreams, but 40 undocumented women and children were flown back to Honduras from New Mexico yesterday. They were among the first of several planned Homeland Security deportations. Children deemed to be in mortal danger in their homelands will likely be allowed to stay. While saddened by the return flights, many deportees’ dreams remain alive: One woman said she would simply make the trip north once again.

Heading Home

The World Trade Organization ruled that tariffs imposed by the U.S. on steel and solar panels from China and India violated global trade regulations. China wants the U.S. to respect the ruling, but U.S. leaders say China protects its own industries through subsidization, and that the tariffs were needed to correct the subsequent market imbalances. The U.S. can appeal, but it’s unlikely to find much international support after exposing its economic self-interest.

Bad Business

Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai visited Nigeria to plead for the release of 276 kidnapped Nigerian teens as the leader of Boko Haram — the abductors — laughed about the #BringBackOurGirls campaign in a new video. Abubakar Shekau repeated the militants’ demand that Nigeria release detained insurgents in exchange for the schoolgirls and boasted about two explosions at a fuel depot in Lagos. Yousafzai called on the terrorists to free their “sisters” and stop “misusing the name of Islam.”

Briefly

intriguing

I am woman, hear me preach…and now lead. The Church of England, bowing to public pressure, has voted to allow women — ordained since 1994 — to become bishops. More than 20 percent of Anglican priests are female, and with the removal of the latest stained-glass ceiling, the first female bishop could be appointed by the year’s end. The Archbishop of Canterbury called the move a “theologically based decision,” but it also comes with some earthly concessions, including allowing objecting parishes to request a male alternative.

Newly Frocked

This simply won’t fly — 111 years after Orville Wright’s first powered flight, the world is facing a pilot shortage. Commercial pilot wages are falling, but education costs and flight hour demands are on the rise, reducing the pool of qualified pilots. The group is legally barred from strike action, leaving little recourse for demanding change. Since the solution can’t be faking it Catch Me if You Can style, the options for solving the problem are increasing salaries or reducing flights.

Turbulent Times

Would Michael Jordan have been even better with a true arch rival? A competitive rivalry motivates athletes to work harder, a new study shows, even if your antagonist is not Larry Bird or Magic Johnson. Researchers found that long-distance runners with rivals worked harder and performed better over time than their un-rivaled peers. So if you’re slowing down at the gym or on the field, it may be time to find yourself a nemesis.

Competitive Edge

The British capital is taking a page out of famous books — literarily. The British National Literacy Trust has commissioned well-known artists to create 50 book-inspired benches, enabling passers-by to take five while sitting atop famous literary scenes. Ralph Steadman recreated his Through the Looking Glass illustrations on one bench; War Horse set designer Rae Smith, inspired by the novel and West End hit, painted another. The fine print? Book lovers only have until October to cozy up on the benches before they’re sold for charity.

Benchmark

Luis Felipe Scolari — who guided Brazil to World Cup victory in 2002 — suffered the “worst day of his life” when his team was crushed 7-1 by Germany, prompting him to apologize to all Brazilians. The hosts then lost to Holland, chalking up their first back-to-back home turf loss in 74 years and crashing into fourth place. The result? Scolari’s second worst day: The Confederation of Brazilian Football decided not to renew his contract, and he resigned his post.